Allahabad University Celebrates 138th Foundation Day; Folk Singer Malini Awasthi Honored with Honorary Degree
Prayagraj, The 138th Foundation Day celebrations of Allahabad University were held on Tuesday in the auditorium of the Senate Hall. The ceremony was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sangita Srivastava and Justice M. C. Tripathi, who graced the occasion as chief guests.
On this memorable day, renowned folk singer and Padma Shri awardee Malini Awasthi was conferred the honorary degree of Honoris Causa by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sangita Srivastava.
Vice-Chancellor Highlights Historical Journey of Allahabad University
In her address, Prof. Srivastava shed light on the illustrious and historic journey of Allahabad University, emphasizing its proud legacy.
She reminded the gathering that the institution has produced several Prime Ministers of India as well as distinguished judges of the High Court and the Supreme Court, making it one of the country’s most respected centers of higher learning.
“Wherever I Studied, My True Learning Came from Allahabad”: Malini Awasthi
Expressing her delight at receiving the honorary degree, folk singer Malini Awasthi shared her personal connection with the university.
She recalled that her elder sister had studied at Allahabad University, and during her own school days in Gorakhpur, she had excelled academically, securing the 12th rank at the state level in the Intermediate examinations.
This achievement encouraged her family to send her to Allahabad University for higher studies. She even applied for admission, was granted entry, and had a hostel room allotted.
However, after admission, she realized her desire to pursue Hindi instead of English, and ultimately chose to complete her graduation in Political Science, Hindi, and Sanskrit from Lucknow University.
There was a visible trace of regret in her words for not having studied at Allahabad University. She candidly remarked, “I may not have pursued my degree here, but no matter where I studied, my true learning and initiation have always been from Allahabad.”
She further recalled the days after her marriage, when she lived in Allahabad with her husband, senior bureaucrat Avnish Awasthi, cherishing those memories deeply. She admitted that receiving the honorary degree from this historic institution was an overwhelming experience—a joy too profound to be expressed in words.
A Soulful Evening of Folk Music
To mark the occasion, Malini Awasthi enthralled the audience with soulful renditions of Awadhi folk songs, immersing the gathering in the sweetness of traditional music. Her performances included evergreen pieces like “Barsan Lagin Badariya,” “Relia Bairan,” and “Amma More Baba Ko Bhejori.”
The evening reached its peak when she concluded with one of her most popular songs, “Saiyan Mile Larkaian Main Ka Karoon…” filling the hall with an air of nostalgia and cultural pride. As a gesture of gratitude, Malini presented a book authored by her to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Srivastava.
Poetry and Acknowledgements
Adding to the literary flavor of the event, Dr. Shlesh Gautam recited a touching poem centered on daughters, which received warm appreciation from the audience.
The program was seamlessly conducted by PRO Prof. Jaya Kapoor, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Registrar Prof. Ashish Khare, marking the graceful conclusion of the 138th Foundation Day celebrations.
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